Shaquille O'Neal
*Shaquille O'Neal was born on this date in 1972. He was a Black professional basketball player, businessman, and television sports analyst.
Often referred to as Shaq, Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal is from Newark, New Jersey, and was named by his biological father, Joseph Toney. They are from the Persian languages Farsi and Urdu. O'Neal's mother, Lucille O'Neal Harrison, married U.S. Army sergeant and future FBI agent Phillip Harrison (whom O'Neal considers his father figure) shortly after Shaquille's birth. O'Neal spent some of his childhood in Germany in Wildflecken, Bavaria, where his stepfather Harrison was stationed with the U.S. Army. It was there that he first began to play basketball.
Also, as a child, O'Neal fractured both of his wrists while climbing between two trees. He first gained national attention as a star at Robert G. Cole Junior-Senior High School in San Antonio, Texas. He became High School Player of the Year while there. He then attended Louisiana State University (LSU) and studied business. While on their basketball team, he was a two-time first-team All-American, two-time Southeastern Conference player of the year, and the national player of the year in 1991. He holds the NCAA record for 17 shots blocked against Mississippi State University on December 3, 1990.
At the age of 13, O'Neal was already 6'6" (1.98 m) but weighed only about 223 pounds (101 kg). Over the next several years, he grew several more inches and added 80 pounds (36 kg) of muscle. Currently, at 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m), 320 pounds (147 kg), and U.S. shoe size 22, he is also noted for his physical stature.
Shaq joined the NBA draft and was picked up by the Orlando Magic as the first pick. In his first year, he was the Rookie of the Year. He was also chosen for that year's All-Star game. They made it to the finals in his second year with the Magic; however, the Houston Rockets swept them. In 1996, Shaq became a free agent and accepted an offer from the LA Lakers.
This relocation had multiple benefits for Shaq. He could now establish himself as a movie star, rapper, and businessman. He succeeded in his movie career with the movie Kazaam. His other movie credits include Blue Chips (1994), Good Burger (1997), Steel (1997), and Freddy Got Fingered (2001). As a rapper, O'Neal released five rap albums; Shaq Diesel, Shaq Fu: Da Return, You Can't Stop the Reign, Respect, and the greatest hits album. Shaq owns a record label and clothing line entitled Twism as a businessman.
With the Los Angeles Lakers, O'Neal was a force to be dealt with seriously. In the 2000 season, he was on the All-Star team (again) and earned the All-Star MVP. He garnered a spot on the All-Defensive Team and won the scoring title and the league MVP award. When the dust settled, the Lakers with Shaq won his first three championship rings. O'Neal now plays for the Miami Heat.
He has several nicknames, most of which he created, such as The Diesel, The Big Aristotle, M.D.E (Most Dominant Ever), Superman, and most recently, after earning his MBA, Doctor Shaq. Heralded since entering the league at 20 years of age, his 14-year career has been impressive by NBA standards for the center position. You can find him offering commentary on NBA basketball games as a studio analyst.
O'Neal officially retired from basketball in 2011 and owns Papa John's Pizza.
